If you’ve spotted references to the “Global Electronics Association” recently and wondered where IPC went, you’re not alone. Last year, the organisation known as IPC, originally the Institute of Printed Circuits, changed its name to the Global Electronics Association.

Why the change?

The short version: IPC’s work had outgrown its name. The organisation now represents the full electronics ecosystem, not just printed circuit boards, but semiconductors, materials, equipment and everything in between, and wanted a name that reflected that.

Does this affect the standards we work to?

No. And this is the part that actually matters day-to-day. The Global Electronics Association is keeping the IPC brand for the industry’s standards and certification programs. So IPC-A-610, IPC J-STD-001, IPC-7711/7721 and the rest aren’t being renamed or replaced. The standards we train and certify our team against, the ones we talk about often, carry on exactly as they were.

What else changed?

Mostly branding and remit, not substance. The IPC Education Foundation is now called the Electronics Foundation, continuing its focus on workforce and training challenges across the industry. Beyond that, it’s the same organisation, the same standards, and the same certifications behind the work we do.

The bottom line

If you see “Global Electronics Association” instead of “IPC” from now on, it’s the same body, just under a name that better reflects how much the electronics industry has grown. Our certifications, our training, and the standards we build to haven’t changed at all.

Need help with your electronics project? Email sales@electrica.co.uk or call 0161 343 7575.